Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists? My Experience

Cape Town is a beautiful city and I was very excited to visit. One question that was on my mind though was « Is it safe enough? ». I’d researched immensely online and read a few contradicting reviews about the place. I even watched a video where a woman described her experience getting robbed and also fell upon a few horror stories in the news. But, you know, that can happen anywhere and you’ll find similar stories if you research any big city in the world. I’m sure I’m not the only one researching this, so I thought I’d share my experience with you.

Our Personal Experience

We didn’t have any major issues during our trip, but overall, we felt safe. We were cautious, of course, and that made a difference. There was one uncomfortable moment in Bo-Kaap, which I’ve written about in more detail here. We also had a few people asking us for money on a few occasions but they left us alone when we said no. But aside from that, we moved through the city without incident.

We went out during the day, took Uber in the evenings, and even enjoyed a night out clubbing without any trouble. We saw a lot of different people out and about and plenty of tourists enjoying the city just like us.

What You’ll Notice on the Streets

One thing that stood out: there are unarmed security guards stationed on most main streets in central areas like the V&A Waterfront, Long Street, and parts of Sea Point. They’re easy to spot and very visible. While they aren’t armed, their presence does feel reassuring. Their job is mostly to deter petty crime, keep an eye out, and help with directions if needed. If you ever feel unsafe or need help with anything, you can ask them. They are very friendly.

But this kind of visible security is a reminder that petty crime can, of course, happen. For example, phone snatching, bag theft and pickpocketing are things that can happen here, like in all big cities. However, you can also see that local authorities take tourist safety seriously in busy areas and have processes in place to protect them.

Where You Need to Be Careful

Cape Town is not a city where you can just wander freely into unknown neighbourhoods. Stick to areas you’ve researched or that locals recommend. If you’re unsure, ask your hotel or host before heading out. Some areas can change quickly from safe to risky, even just a few blocks apart.

We also didn’t flash anything, no expensive jewellery, designer bags, or brand-new iPhones on display. It’s a good idea to keep valuables out of sight and avoid counting money or using your phone while walking in quieter parts of the city. It’s pretty much just basic street behaviour to keep safe, like you would in London or in Paris.

Getting Around Safely

Uber is widely used and reliable. We used it every day to get to dinners, beaches, and even wine estates. The drivers were professional and incredibly friendly, and it felt safe and consistent. We avoided public transportation based on advice from locals, not because it’s always unsafe, but because it’s not built for tourists in the same way. We also didn’t hire a car and if you do, there are other precautions you should take.

Whether it was in the day or at night, we never walked long distances. We actually always Ubered, even for short trips. That made us feel more secure, especially after dark, and the trips are very inexpensive.

Final Thoughts

Cape Town isn’t unsafe at all, but it does require awareness and smart choices. If you treat it like any big city with pockets of risk, you’ll probably be fine. Be aware of your surroundings, plan ahead, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

We’d absolutely go back. In fact, we’re already thinking about it. The people, the food, the landscapes — it’s worth the extra bit of caution. Just like anywhere, stay smart, trust your gut, and enjoy the experience.